Materials & Hardware R&D Manager – Leather goods
This position is responsible for managing all Fabric & Materials related matters in the development execution, and approval of fabrics & Materials that meet MCM fabric standards. This position supports the design, product development and merchandising teams in seasonal development of fabrics and constant R&D for MCM. This role requires a candidate to interact with multiple cross functional partners, as well as overseas offices and suppliers. Candidates must be able to thrive in a fast paced environment. Be extremely organized, clear communicator and have a high taste level.
Key Responsibilities
* Drive the newness and innovation of fabric sourcing for specified seasonal categories.
* Support the execution of the fabric development process as directed by the Global Creative Director, Chief Supply Chain officer and design.
* Assist with sourcing and researching innovative and seasonal material’s trends that satisfy both MCM's vision and market trends.
* Construct and maintain a detailed material reference library, ensuring to archive material records, swatches, and samples.
* Conduct research and development on new materials, new technic, treatment, specially sustainable materials that suits the luxury positioning.
* Partner with Design for seasonal direction, identifying repeat qualities and new development.
* Constantly upgrade and level up the existing key material and hardware.
* Source seasonal design requests with appropriate suppliers and offer creative solutions if the request is outside MCM brand's sourcing and pricing strategy;
* Assist with research and development of all materials – leather, MMM, Textile and hardware until complete and approved by Design;
* Collaboration with LG Production;
* Review price/value/IMU targets for all basic programs and align with production;
* Help to identify opportunities for competitive sourcing;
* Ensure product integrity by facilitating the testing of all materials with Global Compliance prior to placement, needs to ensure performance and safety;
* Partner with textile technologist and/or mill to understand technical issues/limitation of the raw material while working with suppliers to resolve/improve;
* Manage material with related functions from beginning of development through Final Hand Off;
* Partner with Design, Development, Procurement and Production teams to build and maintain a mill vendor matrix that meets the required sourcing strategy;
* Update and control all material specifications;
* Challenge and negotiate costing to meet target prices with suppliers;
* Establish and maintain seasonal material charts, seasonal core and fashion boards for high level meeting, and the seasonal research fabric library including material tool box;
* Define and address problems, issues and concerns that impact the operations. Collaboratively update appropriate team members;
* Highlight potential testing issues and partner with sourcing team, overseas fabric team and mills to trouble shoot and resolve fabric quality issues in order to meet testing requirements;
* Work with design to ensure adopted fabrics for main line/ show are in line with merchant needs and target price points. If adopted qualities are above target price will work with alternative suppliers and or materials to re-develop original or counter source;
* Creation of material archive and materials library;
* Review all material or leather developments, trials and hand looms with design for approval with Global Creative Director and Chief Supply Chain officer;
* Adding new material in system at the beginning of each season, or when new material is approved;
* Ensure that the sampling process follows the timelines as required by the business;
* Relationship building with suppliers and offices.
* Competitor research and analysis.
Requirements
* Process a Material and Textile Bachelor's Degree or equivalent experience;
* 5 to 7 years’ experience;
* Must have expertise in raw materials and strong technical understanding;
* Must have strong analytical skills and communication skills;
* Must have the ability to negotiate and build consensus across multiple functions;
* Must have working knowledge and understanding of Production and Design;
* Must have the proven ability to work closely and partner effectively with designers;
* Must have vendor relationships;
* Must have a thorough understanding of testing protocol, product integrity requirements, product cycle timeline, leather goods construction;
* Must be proficient in MS Word, PowerPoint and Excel.
Seniority level
* Mid-Senior level
Employment type
* Full-time
Job function
* Supply Chain, Research, and Production
Industries
* Retail Luxury Goods and Jewelry and Retail Apparel and Fashion
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